Let's do brunch

We're big fans of Easter and everything that comes with it -- from sugary indulgences like goopy Cadbury cream eggs and technicolor Peeps to hilariously botched attempts at egg decorating. And then there's the essential culinary clincher of this spring holiday: brunch. Whether you're in charge of rounding up your family for a big buffet this year, or are seeking a low-key Easter out with friends, we've got the brunch for you.

The scenario: It's just not Easter brunch unless it's in a big banquet hall, lament Mom and Dad.The brunch:The AbbingtonYeah, we know -- you think these all-you-can-eaters are all spectacle and ceremony, from the ice sculptures to the sparkly chandeliers. But in the grand tradition of massive brunch buffets, Abbington Distinctive Banquets in Glen Ellyn ranks high on our list. Warm up with a swing by the tables of antipasto, cheese, fruit and chilled seafood, from Norwegian smoked salmon to jumbo shrimp. You'll find all the expected made-to-order stations here, including omelets and carved meats, plus a custom cooked-to-order pasta option. Surrender the showiness of it all with a visit to the fondue fountain, where you can dip cookies, fruit and more in a steady stream of chocolate. Click here for details, including prices, times and reservations.

The scenario: You've gotta please both die-hard traditionalists and discerning foodies.The brunch:NoshIf you haven't ventured to Geneva to try out Nosh, a bright and contemporary new brunch spot, you might as well use Easter as an excuse. Owners Kimberly and Mike Dixon have worked with chef Dave Nelson to craft a buffet mixing old family favorites with selections from the eatery's current menu. Classics like roasted rack of lamb and made-to-order omelets will share buffet space with apple-gouda sausage and lemon-cottage cheese pancakes with raspberry butter and orange sherbet sauce. Specialty salads range from chilled asparagus with truffle oil and micro greens to pear and brie with ginger honey and lemon zest. Click here for details, including prices, times and reservations.

The scenario: Your try-anything crew is craving something new.The brunch:Heaven on SevenIf you're ready for a down-south spin on Easter, head to this Cajun-Creole kitchen in downtown Naperville. Their a la carte brunch menu features with-a-kick entrees such as poached eggs atop crabcakes and Creole eggs benedict, which swaps biscuits and andouille sausage for the traditional English muffin and ham (both $10.95). If the spice-o-phobe at your table is freaked out enough by the myriad bottles of hot sauce lining the walls, they can opt for a breakfast version of the quintessential New Orleans dessert: bananas foster French toast ($9.95). Stick around for vocalist/guitarist Steven Roback from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here for details, including prices, times and reservations.

The scenario: You need to kick your Seasonal Affective Disorder-induced scowl -- for good.The brunch:Emilio's Sunflower BistroYou can't help but catch spring fever when you step inside Emilio's Sunflower Bistro, which opened in the former Maison space in La Grange in 2005. While the facade shines a bright fluorescent green and yellow, the inside is decidedly more calming, with walls painted a perfect sunflower-petal yellow, deep-red upholstered booths and shiny, cobalt-blue ceilings. The walls are dotted with glowing votives and paintings -- all florals, and all painted by chef and co-owner, Chris Spagnola. Make your way through a three-course brunch, starting with a grapefruit cocktail with mint and berries. For the main event, choose from options such as roasted apple crepes, baked banana-walnut French toast and a cheese frittata with roasted potatoes. Save room for the final course: chocolate bread pudding with raspberry sauce or white-chocolate gelato with fresh strawberries. You'll surely leave in a sunny mood, even if the unpredictable April weather doesn't agree. Click here for details, including prices, times and reservations.

The scenario: There are kids. Lots of kids. Nieces, nephews, cousins, et al.The brunch:CarlucciYou can't miss this behemoth of a building looming in front of nearby office towers in Downers Grove. Though it's consistently family-friendly, the atmosphere is sophisticated enough to please the grown-ups too, with high-backed brown-leather chairs, soaring ceilings and an open kitchen to entertain guests big and small. A special Easter menu includes baked egg frittatas with a choice of savory fillings, from the Campagnola with roasted peppers, Italian sausage and provolone to the Quattro Formaggi with fontina, parmesan, provolone and gorgonzola cheeses matched with fresh spinach ($8.95). Or please your sweet tooth with the Budino de Pane, a baked bread pudding with raisins, rum and warm apple compote, crowned with whipped cream ($7.95). For the kiddies, there's face painting and a magician, plus a chance to decorate their own cupcake. Hey, with so much frosting on hand, even we want in on that action. Click here for details, including prices, time and reservations.